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The difficult task that Roberto Di Matteo has of guiding Chelsea to Champions
League qualification became even tougher yesterday when Branislav Ivanovic
was charged with violent conduct for an off-the-ball clash with Shaun
Maloney in the win over Wigan Athletic last Saturday.

Chelsea have until 6pm today to respond to the FA charge. Video pictures
appear to show the Serbia defender punching Maloney in the stomach. If found
guilty, Ivanovic would be banned for three matches.

Mike Jones, the referee, missed the incident at Stamford Bridge, with footage
emerging only later on Saturday evening, thus enabling the FA to take